CPD Bulletin of Information

The Certified in Plumbing Design Examination has been developed by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers to provide professional recognition of qualified individuals who design plumbing systems. The Certified in Plumbing Design program has five primary objectives:

1. Provide a standard of professional competence in the practice of plumbing engineering.
2. Identify and recognize those individuals who successfully complete the certification examination, thereby demonstrating their acquired knowledge and abilities in the field of plumbing engineering.
3. Encourage plumbing engineers to participate in a continuing program of professional development.
4. Provide a standard for educational programs in plumbing engineering and encourage implementation of such programs.
5. Enhance the status of plumbing engineering as a unique discipline and profession by demonstrating that a realistic standard of professional competence can be clearly defined.

Examination results should not be used for employment ranking.

The Certified in Plumbing Design program and the Certified in Plumbing Design designation are under the control of an independent committee appointed by the Society’s Board of Directors.

The Certified in Plumbing Design designation or CPD is not the same as Professional Engineer registration (P.E.). Having the CPD designation does not confer upon an individual the right to sign drawings or specifications, or to use the designation, Engineer, in states where this is restricted by law.

To be eligible to take the CPD examination, a candidate must possess a minimum of four (4) years of practical experience in a position of responsibility for the design of plumbing systems and possess a baccalaureate degree in a field related to engineering. In lieu of an accredited degree, a candidate may substitute up to an additional four (4) years of practical experience in the design of plumbing systems [for a total of eight (8) years] or be granted a credit of one–half year of practical experience for each one (1) full–year of education in an accredited curriculum related to plumbing engineering.

Individuals that have passed the CPD examination and achieved the CPD designation, are required to maintain the designation through a biennial recertification program. (See the CPD Recertification web page at aspe.org/education-credentialing/cpd/recertification.)

The Certified in Plumbing Design Examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The test specifications for the examination were developed by ASPE’s CPD Committee with the help of an independent testing and certification service organization, using information derived from a job analysis. The test specifications and content reflect the knowledge, skills and problem solving experience essential to performing the job of a plumbing engineer.

The single most important criterion used in the development of the CPD examination was job relatedness — the knowledge and skills required of a competent plumbing engineer. Each examination question deals with a critical and important task performed by a plumbing engineer; uses the language and symbols familiar to the profession; and the wording of written passages and the calculations needed to solve mathematical problems are those commonly used by plumbing engineers on the job.

To ensure the job relatedness of the CPD exam, a job analysis was conducted by the CPD Committee and an independent testing and certification organization (the Educational Testing Service). The job analysis determined what a plumbing engineer actually does on the job and was performed by visiting with experienced plumbing engineers and their supervisors and conducting interviews and on–site job observations.

As a result of observations and interviews, task statements were developed — descriptions of specific activities a plumbing engineer may perform during the work day. Examples of task statements are:

• Review the water distribution riser diagram(s) to see that the systems are designed and sized correctly and are adequately protected against backflow and cross-connections.
• Determine water pressure requirements to establish the need for auxiliary pressure systems.
• Select piping insulation for thermal and condensation requirements.
• Determine the type and location of underground systems and sub-structures.

To establish that the developed task statements were truly representative of the job content of a plumbing engineer, they were evaluated, utilizing a specially constructed questionnaire, by a sample group of professional plumbing engineers. The engineers rated each task based on four factors: Frequency; Difficulty; Importance; and Experience Required for Proficiency. Factor analysis (a statistical procedure used to identify and to group related tasks) was performed on the questionnaire responses to identify the major content areas and job dimensions of a plumbing engineer. This evaluation and analysis procedure established five broad job dimensions or job categories: Gathering Information; Design; Specifications; Construction Services; and Administration. Every question in the CPD examination is linked to a task statement and demonstrably related to the job of a plumbing engineer.

The development of the CPD examination included a series of reviews by the editors and test development staff of the independent testing and certification service organization to insure conformance to test specification classification, statistical criteria, question format, and clarity of language. In addition, in accordance with the Educational Testing Service Standards for Quality and Fairness, each examination question is subjected to a Test Sensitivity Review designed to detect and eliminate any language, symbols, or content that might be considered potentially offensive or inappropriate by any examination candidate.

To ensure the independence of the CPD examination, ASPE contracts with third-party exam administrators to create the test forms and to conduct, oversee and grade the examination. The test administrator is engaged in test development, test administration, and educational and occupational measurement and research.

The Certified in Plumbing Design Examination is offered annually in electronic digital form only. This years exam will be remote proctored.

The next CPD Examination dates are April 15-26, 2024.

The best way to register for the Certified in Plumbing Design examination is online. Go to aspe.org/education-credentialing/cpd/exam to complete the eligibility form. After completion you will be sent an email with the link to register and pay fees for the exam.

The registration form is used as the basis to prepare and e-mail candidate’s information to the remote proctor, such as testing date and time; to complete test arrangements; and to email the link to the CPD exam. Registration forms are not transferable — only the individual registered for the exam will be allowed to test. Results are mailed to the address on file with ASPE. To ensure you receive your results in a timely manner, please double check your preferred mailing address at aspe.org/account.

Registration closes April 1, 2024.

The fees in USD for the CPD Examination are:

• ASPE Members (USA & Canada): $450
• Nonmembers (USA & Canada: $675

Examination fees are not transferable to another exam date.

All examination cancellations and requests for refunds must be emailed to the Certification Department, [email protected], at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled exam date. A processing and administration fee of $100 will be deducted from the examination fee prior to the issuing of the refund. Refunds will be issued two to three weeks after the examination date.

All candidates will take the exam on a date they selected during registration via remote proctoring. Registered candidates will receive confirmation emails from ProctorExam (via Strasz) with more information about technical specifications and requirements to take their exam. This information will come to the candidate’s personal email address. Candidates are only allowed to take their examination at the exact date and time selected when registering for the exam. Candidates launch the remote proctoring software through Google Chrome web browser and begin their exam session at the exact date and time selected. Dates and times may be changed up to the registration deadline. Changes after the registration deadline are not permitted.

Your computer is required to have a webcam (internal or external) which will be used to monitor you during the exam process. You’re required to download an app to your Android or Apple phone or tablet. This will be placed behind you in the room which you’ll be taking the exam to monitor your surroundings.

You’re required to use Google Chrome and download a browser extension which records your monitor. Nothing is downloaded or stored to your computer. Upon the conclusion of your exam session you may remove Google Chrome from your computer if you wish.

Your Internet speed should be consistent enough as to not time out during your exam session. It’s recommended that your Internet speeds be at least 5 MB down and up. If you need to determine this please visit speedtest.net and run a test on the computer and Internet connection you will use for the exam.

Each CPD examination candidate is permitted three hours and thirty minutes (210 minutes) to complete the exam. No one will be permitted to work on the exam beyond the allotted time. A sample of a typical CPD examination schedule is:

• 2:00 pm: Registered examination candidates sign on to test site.
• 2:15 pm: CPD Examination begins.
• 5:45 pm: Examination ends.

Actual timing for each examination depends on the remote proctor.

Any individual who has a physical or cognitive impairment or limitation that prevents him/her from taking the test under standard conditions may request special testing arrangements.

For the electronic examination, ASPE and its examination service provider requires written documentation of the special condition. Documentation should be in the form of a letter on the official letterhead of a licensed or certified professional qualified to diagnose and treat special conditions. The written documentation must accompany the registration form when submitted to ASPE. Candidates with religious beliefs that preclude taking examinations on Saturday should include a letter of explanation with their registration form. This letter should include a self-certification confirming their affiliation with a recognized body that observes its Sabbath throughout the year on Saturday.

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers or its examination service providers will send a letter confirming the special arrangements (an alternate date, if appropriate, time, and location) for the examination to the candidate approximately 10 days prior the examination date. The Examination Registration Form accompanied by the required documentation must be received by March 1. There is no additional fee for special arrangements or accommodations.

Changes, additions, and modifications to registration information and data must be made in writing, no later than two weeks prior to the examination, to [email protected].

Be sure all requests include your name and address as shown on the assessment purchase confirmation or letter of authorization or the proctor number.

In addition to the assessment purchase confirmation, you will be required to present some form of a signed, positive photographic identification. Acceptable identifications include a valid driver’s license or a passport. A Social Security card is not an acceptable form of identification.

To ensure equality and quality of the CPD examination, all Proctored Exams follow the following standard procedures and policies:

• The CPD examination will be administered only on the day(s) and at the time(s) scheduled.
• Examination candidates are urged to be prompt.
• The examination will end on time; no examination candidates are permitted to continue beyond the established time limit for any reason. The examination candidate is responsible for his/ her test–taking pace. Candidates leaving the examination room for personal reasons must first obtain the exam supervisor’s permission; there will be no examination time extension for any reason.
• The CPD Exam is an open book exam. Exam candidates are allowed to bring in and use any printed reference materials. These materials may be professionally bound or printed by the exam candidate but they must remain bound during the exam. Loose paper, such as printed and downloaded publications, may be bound with ring binders, brads, plastic snap binders, spiralbounding, or screw posts. Staples, sticky notes, tabs, and flags will not be permitted. Handwritten notes and highlighting within the reference materials are permitted. The proctor will flip through the books to ensure there are no loose notes hidden inside. Calculators will not be provided by the proctors; however, candidates can bring in and use any non-programmable calculator. Candidates may use three pieces of scratch paper and two pencils or a writing board, such as a white board, to use while in the test session. Visit aspe.org/education-credentialing/cpd/cpdqa to read more.
• Examination candidates may only bring and use slide rules or silent, handheld solar or battery-operated, nonprogrammable calculators.
• Examination candidates determined to be engaging in any kind of misconduct by the supervisor will be dismissed from the examination room and not permitted to return.

It is the responsibility of the examination candidate to inform the exam proctor of any special arrangements that have been approved. Examination candidates are encouraged to provide feedback about the CPD examination or a question. A comment section is available for each question.

Prior to the examination, the supervisor will give instructions for the proper access to the identification section of the examination. You will be required to enter your special proctor number for access. Carefully check all of the information shown that has been taken from your registration form. The required information includes the examination candidate’s name, unique examination file number, Exam Center code, and the test date. All information must be entered correctly or the examination results and final scores may be delayed.

If additional information is required, the on-site proctor will guide each candidate through the necessary process.

The questions in the CPD examination are linked to five broad task statements that describe the job dimensions of a plumbing engineer. These task statements are:

Task 1 and Task 2: Gathering Information and Administration — The plumbing engineer identifies the scope of work, existing physical conditions, and project team contacts; determines applicable requirements of authorities having jurisdiction, utility availability and budgetary constraints; and prepares and monitors work plans and schedules, coordinates work with other members of the professional design team, e.g., HVAC, electrical, etc. (There are approximately 11 questions covering these two task statements.)

Task 3: Design — The plumbing engineer identifies the required systems; establishes the design criteria for each system; designs each system; and coordinates that system with each other and all other building elements. (There are approximately 65 questions covering this task statement.)

Task 4: Specifications — The plumbing engineer determines the format and coordinates it with the design; describes the systems to be used; and coordinates plumbing specifications with all other specifications. (There are approximately 13 questions covering this task statement.)

Task 5: Construction Services — The plumbing engineer reviews submittals for compliance with contract documents; reviews the installation for compliance with contract documents; and witnesses system test(s). (There are approximately 11 questions covering this task statement.)

The CPD examination score is based on the number of correct answers. There are no penalties assessed for wrong answers. Therefore, it is advantageous to answer every question, even if it is a guess.

• Once the exam has begun, use your time economically. Take the questions in order, but do not waste time on those that contain difficult or unfamiliar material.
• If a question is difficult, guess at the answer, mark the answer in the appropriate answer box. Make a note of the question number and go on to the next question. If there is time left when you have finished the test, you can go back and review the questions that you were unsure of.
• For each examination, all candidates will be presented with the same 100 questions. However, questions for the electronic examination will be presented in a random manner. No two candidates taking the same examination will be presented with the same exact question for the same indicated question number.

The Certified in Plumbing Design Examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. There are no written answer sheets. Each question will have a series of multiple-choice answers presented with the question on the computer screen. The candidate will pick his/her preferred answer and will be directed to type in a letter or number in the answer block box or to pick on of the answers using the curser or mouse.

For each question, decide which of the suggested answers is best and make the desired choice following each questions answering requirements (letter, number, or selection). Double check to be sure that you have properly answered the question in the correct manner.

The following example illustrates question answer responses:

Electronic Examination Question 28.

Which of the following is the capital of the United States?
(A) New York, NY
(B) Washington, DC
(C) Chicago, IL
(D) Los Angeles, CA

Electronic Examination Answer
For Question 28: Enter (type) the letter corresponding to your answer. __

You may retype any letter at any time for a correct intended response.

The examination is timed. Read the directions for each question on the computer screen carefully and be sure that you understand them before attempting to answer any questions.

Because of the statistical review process for every CPD examination, approximately six to eight weeks after the examination date, candidates will receive either a pass or fail notification. Examination results are mailed simultaneously to all candidates. (Examination results will not be given over the telephone and will not be released to anyone unless there is a written request by the candidate.)

As the certifying organization, ASPE will issue each successful candidate a Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) certificate, approximately six to eight weeks after the examination results have been received.

The CPD Committee, under the guidance and direction of the ASPE Examination Service Provider, or contracted psychometrician established the level of overall examination performance (i.e., the cut score) that the examination candidate must demonstrate in order to be entitled to the Certified in Plumbing Design designation. (An examination performance evaluation determined the final criteria and established the cut score.)

The CPD examination results are confidential and reported only to the examination candidate. Successful candidates will receive only notice of passing score.

The Certified in Plumbing Design Program reserves the right to cancel or withhold exam results if, in its opinion, there is adequate reason to question examination validity or a candidate’s conduct, such as:

1. An examination may be rendered invalid because of circumstances beyond the examination candidate’s control, such as faulty exam materials or mistiming. When warranted, The ASPE Examination Service Provider will conduct an investigation. In the event examination results are ruled invalid, arrangements will be made for a no–cost re–examination.
2. Doubts raised about the validity of an examination candidate’s test results because of suspected misconduct, such as giving or receiving help, using notes or unauthorized books or papers, removing exam material or notes from the testing room, or attempting to take the test for someone else. In such circumstances, the candidate will be notified of established ASPE Examination Service Provider procedures for ensuring fair treatment. An examination candidate is expected to cooperate in a certification investigation.

CPD examination candidates who are absent from the examination on the date for which they were registered, or who fail an exam and wish to retake it, must submit a new Examination Registration Form and include the complete examination fee.

The submitted Examination Registration Form constitutes written authorization for a candidate’s examination results to be released only to the candidate and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. Employers will not be informed of examination results unless a candidate provides the information or gives written authorization to ASPE.

Complaints or comments about Examination Center facilities, examination supervision, proctors, examination content, or any other matter related to the Certified in Plumbing Design program should be reported immediately on an Examination Candidate’s Comment Form available from the examination supervisor or in a letter sent to the CPD Certification Program to ASPE, [email protected].

When writing to ASPE regarding the CPD Examination, please be sure to identify the examination date, the Examination Center location and its code number, and your complete name, address, and examination candidate identification number. The ASPE Examination Service Provider will investigate and respond to all complaints and comments.

CPD Practice Examinations can be found at education.aspe.org/CPDPracticeTests. Each practice test is 30 questions and is set up to follow the experience distribution of questions as described earlier.

Registration for the practice exams is only available on the website; there is no paper registration form.

There is a fee for taking each practice exam; see the registration form on the website. Immediately following your taking of a practice exam, you will be given your scoring (scoring percentages are given in reference to the five experience areas).